1. Immunologic Medications
Chapter 21
Immunologic Medications

2. Chapter 21
Lesson 21.1

3. Learning Objectives Define common terms used in immunology
Explain the differences between the three different types of immunity
Outline typical immunization plans for children and adults
List the major adverse reactions of common immunologic drugs
Identify at least three drugs used for in vivo testing

4. Immune System
Antigen = a bacterium, virus, or foreign protein that invades the body
Antibody = special proteins made by the body in response to sensing the foreign antigen
Antigen-antibody response = a specific antigen causes the body to produce a specific antibody that reacts specifically with that antigen
The lymphatic system and reticuloendothelial system respond to antigen invasion in the body by making antibodies.
Antibodies are designed to help neutralize or resist the effects of the invading proteins (antigens).
Some antibodies provide active immunity for the life of the person, others are active for a short period of time, providing passive immunity.

5. The Lymphatic System

6. Immunity Types of Immunity
Naturally acquired active immunity: person has had the disease and made antibodies; antibodies remain for life
Artificially acquired active immunity: person is given a live or weakened (attenuated) antigen in a vaccine to stimulate antibody production to prevent specific diseases for an extended time; “boosters” may be necessary
There are different types of immunity. A person who has had chickenpox is said to have naturally acquired active immunity to that particular disease. The person who has had the disease has made lifelong antibodies against the disease to prevent its recurrence.
The purpose of artificially acquired active immunity is to prevent the person from contracting dangerous diseases throughout his or her life. Rubeola (measles) is one of the vaccines given.
Live vaccines are treated so the risk of developing a full infection in an otherwise healthy person is minimal. The rubeola vaccine does cause the person to develop a mild case of measles, which then initiates the antigen-antibody response in the body to prevent the person from getting a full infection from measles.
Some diseases may require periodic booster injections of vaccine to maintain high enough antibody levels to protect the person from disease.

7. Immunity (cont.) Types of Immunity (cont.) Passive immunity
Naturally acquired passive immunity
Antibodies pass from mother to infant through breast milk
Artificially acquired passive immunity
Immunoglobulins are injected into a person who does not have immunity to the antigen
After the antigen-antibody response has occurred, the antibodies are stored in the body.
Immunoglobulins are specific types of protein antibodies that are stored in blood serum and plasma.
Concentrated immunoglobulins are also called antiserums and may be collected from humans or animal sources.
Administration of hepatitis B immune globulin to someone exposed to, but not immunized against, the disease is an example of artificially acquired passive immunity.
Passive immunity is temporary.

8. Immunization Schedule
The Following Vaccines Are Recommended:
Hepatitis B
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Inactivated poliovirus
Measles, mumps, rubella
Varicella
Pneumococcal
Influenza
Hepatitis A (for selected populations)
Although most children in this country have received their immunizations before entering school, the United States lags behind many other countries in the percentage of children immunized at an early age.
We now know that some of the early immunizations require “boosters” to provide lifelong immunity. The “MMR” booster for measles, mumps, and rubella is an example of this.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the American Academy of Family Physicians collaborate on immunization guidelines that are updated every January.

9. Immunologic Medications
Vaccines = attenuated or killed antigens in a formula that produces an antigen-antibody response in the body
Toxoids = attenuated or weakened toxins that produce an antitoxin response, causing immunity in the body
Some disease-causing proteins that come from invading bacteria are called toxins.
Toxins, like antigens, stimulate the immune system to produce antitoxins, which act to neutralize antigens.
The body is unable to distinguish between a toxin and toxoid.
What does the term endemic mean?

10. Immunologic Medications (cont.)
Action
Produce immunity in the body
Uses
Routine schedule of active immunizations for adults and children
Specific biologic agents for endemic disease areas
Specific biologic agents to people at high risk
Screening for disease exposure
Modify disease process in immunized persons
There are many uses for immunologic medications. In addition to the routine administration of immunizations for specific diseases, immunizations are recommended for persons who live in areas with high risk of exposure to diseases such as yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid.
People at high risk for serious complications of pneumococcal infections and influenza (e.g., elderly, chronically ill, healthcare workers) are encouraged to obtain these immunizations.
An additional group of biologic agents (purified protein derivative [PPD], histoplasmin, coccidioidin) is used in screening procedures to identify persons who have been exposed to a certain disease or who may have the active disease (e.g., tuberculosis).
In special circumstances, biologic agents such as gamma globulins may be useful for modifying a disease process in previously unimmunized persons.

11. Immunologic Medications (cont.)
Adverse Reactions
Mild reactions common: mild local pain and swelling at site
Occasional effects include altered levels of consciousness, headache, lethargy, rash, urticaria, vesiculation, diarrhea, increased respiratory rate, arthralgia, dyspnea, fever, lymphadenopathy, and malaise.
There are rare instances of these medications being linked to other health problems. Statistically, the risk of complications from getting disease outweighs the risk of adverse effects of the immunization.
Occasional effects are treated symptomatically, and many physicians recommend premedication before receiving scheduled vaccines.
Most states have laws that require infants and children to be properly immunized before starting school. To reduce the liability pharmaceutical companies face, a special fund has been established by the federal government that pays for medical costs incurred if a patient has a serious adverse effect from required immunizations. A certain percentage of fees patients pay go toward this fund, called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

12. Immunologic Medications (cont.)
Drug Interactions
Nursing Implications and Patient Teaching
Assess health history, immunization status, allergies to eggs or feathers, presence of infection, use of immunosuppressants, pregnancy
Some vaccines are contraindicated in persons with an allergy to eggs or feathers, because they are prepared with animal serum or in chick embryos.
Immunizations are not given to patients with active infection, severe febrile illness, or a history of serious side effects from previous vaccinations.
Live, attenuated virus vaccines should not be given if there is a recent history of acquired passive antibodies (immune globulins).
Patients who are immunocompromised should not be given immunologic agents, and all vaccines should be used with caution in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.